Is chick growing too fast?! Or is it bred for meat?

[lusbus]

One of our chicks is unnaturally fat and there is a large lump on the right side of her neck. I did some research and I'm not sure it's the crop, and if it is, the food is not moving through. All of the other chicks look pretty slender and are growing their wing feathers, but this chick is growing exponentially in weight and her wings aren't growing! All she can do is wobble to the food and water and then sit down. I am very worried that she is not going to last long, and I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help her? Help is much appreciated!!!!

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Could she be a Cornish Cross meat bird? What you describe is typical of their behavior, and the color matches too. I think that the lump you are seeing is the crop, but if the chick is a meat bird, she would be driven to eat more than the others causing it to look unnaturally full.

 

[lusbus]

Thank you! Do you know if she is in pain or how long Cornish cross meat birds live? I read that their hearts can't handle their rapidly growing meat??

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Thank you! Do you know if she is in pain or how long Cornish cross meat birds live? I read that their hearts can't handle their rapidly growing meat??

I don't think she's in pain. Cornish cross meat birds are usually butchered around 7 weeks old, but with a strict limited feeding plan they can live much longer. Yes, they often develop heart problems, as well as other organ failure from their rapid growth. Most are reluctant to walk, but you can force them to exercise and that will prolong their life.

How old is she?

If I'm right, you could slaughter her when she reaches a good size (I feel somewhat awkward saying this with a female pronoun), or you could keep her with the exercise and limited feeding mentioned. Keep in mind that they don't lay eggs well, and it is somewhat of a hassle. It can be done though if you don't want to slaughter her for meat.

 

[Mylied]

Is that lump on her back? Is it squishy? She does look like a cornish cross. If you regulate their food intake and give them exercise they can live. Or you can sell her to someone who wants a meat bird.

 

[Eggcessive]

I think you may be correct that you have a broiler meat chicken. There are about 4 pictures of cornish cross chicks and grown chickens here:
https://www.cacklehatchery.com/jumbo-cornish-cross.html

 

[keesmom]

Looks like a Cornish X. Could also be a "he" since they most often come straight run.

If you are adverse to processing him/her you should start restricting feed now. There are plenty of threads on trying to keep Cornish X as pets to look ro for advice.